Troops of Operation Enduring Peace repel a coordinated bandit attack on Sabon Gari and Zurak communities in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing four persons, including one soldier and three suspected bandits, while two soldiers remain missing.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the operation follows intelligence indicating that armed bandits mobilise about 200 motorcycles to launch an attack on Kampani community. Acting on the alert, troops place units on red alert and move swiftly to block the planned invasion.
Security reports state that at about 5:03pm, the attackers divert towards Sabon Gari, firing sporadically and forcing troops to engage. While clearance operations are ongoing in Sabon Gari, the bandits regroup and launch a second coordinated assault on Zurak community.
Mediaplusng.com further reports that troops respond with superior firepower, overwhelming the attackers and forcing them to retreat with casualties. During the exchange, three bandits are neutralised, while troops recover two motorcycles, two AK-47 magazines, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Military sources confirm that the bandits are seen evacuating their injured fighters across a river line near Zurak as they flee the area. The operation successfully prevents the attackers from advancing to their primary target and limits civilian casualties in the affected communities.
However, the military records a major loss as Corporal Oladipo Adekunle is killed in action during the firefight. His service rifle and a Rocket Propelled Grenade tube are taken by the retreating assailants. Two other soldiers, Trooper Aminu Rasheed and Private Aliu Yakubu, are declared missing during the operation.
Search and rescue efforts are currently underway to locate the missing personnel, with troops combing surrounding forests and riverine areas. Arrangements are also completed to evacuate the remains of the fallen soldier to a morgue on February 3, 2026.
Security authorities describe the incident as part of a growing pattern where armed groups launch simultaneous attacks on multiple locations to distract security forces and conceal their main objectives. Analysts warn that such tactics increase operational complexity and stretch troop deployment.
Intelligence assessments further suggest that bandits displaced from other conflict zones are relocating to forested areas around Wase in Plateau State and extending into Alkaleri in Bauchi State and Karim Lamido in Taraba State, raising fresh security concerns across the region.
In response, the military says troops of Operation Enduring Peace, in collaboration with 33 Brigade and Operation Whirl Stroke, intensify offensive operations against identified and suspected bandit hideouts. The operations aim to deny criminal groups freedom of movement and dismantle their emerging networks.
Security agencies reassure residents of Plateau and neighbouring states of sustained military presence and urge communities to continue providing timely intelligence to help prevent future attacks and restore lasting peace.
